19 April 2005

Governor signs order to help coordinate response to emergencies

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius today signed an executive order designating the National Incident Management System (NIMS) as the standard that will used by all in Kansas responding to a disaster or other emergency.

Gov. Sebelius signed the order on the south steps of the Kansas Statehouse. First responders were in attendance, including members of law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical service personnel, homeland security officials and emergency management personnel.

“Protecting the health and safety of all Kansans is one of my top priorities. This order will ensure that all first responders will be able to coordinate their efforts when responding to emergency situations anywhere in Kansas,” said Sebelius.

Developed by the Secretary of Homeland Security at the request of the President, the National Incident Management System (NIMS) integrates effective practices in emergency preparedness and response into a comprehensive national framework for incident management. The NIMS will enable responders at all levels to work together more effectively to manage domestic incidents no matter what the cause, size or complexity.

The benefits of the NIMS system include:

Standardized organizational structures, processes and procedures;

Standards for planning, training and exercising, and personnel qualification standards;

Equipment acquisition and certification standards;

Interoperable communications processes, procedures and systems;

Information management systems; and

Supporting technologies - voice and data communications systems, information systems, data display systems and specialized technologies.

This is Executive Order 05-03 and after being filed with the Secretary of State’s office, it will become effective immediately.